Title (HTML):
Functions, Data, and Models: An Applied Approach to College Algebra

Author(s) (Product display):
Sheldon P. Gordon;
Florence S. Gordon

Affiliation(s) (HTML):

Imprint Blurb:
MAA Press: An Imprint of the American Mathematical Society

Abstract:

This is a college algebra-level textbook
written to provide the kind of mathematical knowledge and experiences
that students will need for courses in other fields, such as biology,
chemistry, business, finance, economics, and other areas that are
heavily dependent on data either from laboratory experiments or from
other studies. The focus is on the fundamental mathematical concepts
and the realistic problem-solving via mathematical modeling rather
than the development of algebraic skills that might be needed in
calculus.

Functions, Data, and Models presents college
algebra in a way that differs from almost all college algebra books
available today. Rather than going over material covered in high
school courses the Gordons teach something new. Students are given an
introduction to data analysis and mathematical modeling presented at a
level that students with limited algebraic skills can understand. The
book contains a rich set of exercises, many of which use real
data. Also included are thought experiments or what if questions that
are meant to stretch the student's mathematical thinking.

… On initial viewing, “Functions, Data and
Models” may seem like a typical textbook, with all the usual key
parts, including appendixes and answers to selected problems in the
back of the book. However, on closer examination, readers will see and
understand how the eight-chapter work differs from classic algebra
books. The detailed preface includes messages for the student,
messages for the instructor, and information on the book's
philosophy. … The book would be a great resource for any
algebra course. Highly recommended.

-- K.D. Holton, CHOICE Magazine

This textbook certainly sets the hook early when
authors explain in the preface that the book's philosophy is to allow
students to focus on mathematical ideas, not mathematical
calculations. … As the authors point out in the
introduction to this text, it contains enough material (in both depth
and variety) to cover two semesters' worth of study. On the other
hand, the interested instructor could easily design a syllabus
covering a limited number of topics from the book to address the needs
of a semester-long course. I highly recommend this text to instructors
who seek to cultivate creativity and critical thinking in their
college-algebra-level students

-- Hilary Fletcher, Mathematics and Computer
Education

Cover Image URL:
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